Why is the air fryer good? Comparison with ovens, pans
- Less oil: Air fryer uses little or no oil to prepare food, which reduces the intake of calories and unhealthy fats.
- Less fat: Dishes prepared in an air fryer have a lower fat content compared to those prepared by deep frying.
- Less acrylamide: Air fryer reduces the formation of acrylamide, a harmful compound that is formed when food is fried at high temperatures.
Air Fryer vs. normal frying of chicken in a pan:
- Adding oil: When frying on a pan, it is necessary to add oil, while with an air fryer it is not necessary or a minimal amount of oil is used.
- Turning the chicken: In the air fryer, it is not necessary to turn the chicken often because the air circulates around the food and cooks it evenly.
- Temperature and time control: Air fryer automatically maintains temperature and time, which reduces the need for constant monitoring.
How the air fryer works:
- Air circulation: Air fryer uses the technology of fast circulation of hot air around the food, which enables even cooking.
- Heating element: It is placed above the food basket and the fan helps to distribute the hot air.
Comparison with oven and pan:
- Oven: Air fryer is faster because it heats up a smaller space faster, while the oven requires more time to heat up and bake.
- Frying pan: A frying pan requires oil, constant turning and supervision, while an air fryer does everything automatically and cooks food evenly.
Power consumption:
- Efficiency: Air fryers are more energy efficient than ovens because they use less time and energy to reach the same temperature.
- Specific consumption: The average power consumption of an air fryer is around 1500W, while an oven can consume between 2000W and 5000W.
Time saving:
- Fast cooking: Air fryer reduces cooking time by about 20-30% compared to traditional methods.
- Automation: There is no need for constant monitoring and turning of food.
Baking quality:
- Even baking: Thanks to air circulation, the food is baked evenly from all sides.
- Crispiness: An air fryer can create a crispy crust without the need for a large amount of oil.
What can be done in an air fryer:
- Chicken: Fillets, wings, drumsticks - all types of chicken can be baked without oil and turning.
- Potatoes: Baked fries, wedges, hashbrowns.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini.
- Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms, baked mushrooms.
- Desserts: Muffins, cookies.
Ease of use:
- Insert and leave: You can simply put most of the food in the basket of the air fryer, set the time and temperature, and leave it to cook.
- Controls: Air fryers usually have simple controls with preset programs for different types of food.
Cleaning the air fryer:
- Easy cleaning: The basket and tray are often non-stick and dishwasher safe.
- Less grease: Since it uses less oil, the air fryer produces less grease and dirt compared to a pan and an oven.
Examples:
- Chicken: Place the chicken fillets in a basket, set to 200°C and bake for 20 minutes.
- Potatoes: Cut the potatoes, put them in a basket, add salt and spices, bake at 180°C for 25 minutes.
- Vegetables: Season the mixed vegetables and place in a basket, bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.
- Mushrooms: Place stuffed mushrooms in a basket, bake at 190°C for 10 minutes.
Easier cleaning:
- Less fat: Without oil or with a minimal amount of oil, the air fryer leaves less greasy residue.
- Dishwasher safe parts: Most parts can be easily washed in the dishwasher.
Air fryer offers a practical, healthier and faster way to prepare food with less effort and easier cleaning compared to traditional cooking methods.